Former student Robert is working on Toddbrook Reservoir
Project Manager
A major project I worked on was managing the repair of Toddbrook Reservoir which hit the national headlines over the summer!
I studied a HNC and HND in Civil Engineering at the College between 2014 to 2017 while being a Technician Engineer at the Canal & River Trust. Once gaining these qualifications this opened up the opportunity to become a Project Manager with the Trust.
Since becoming a Project Manager, I've worked on a variety of projects including the £4m programme of works to improve the flight of 16 locks at Marple, one of the steepest flights in Britain, and a £1m towpath project on the Rochdale Canal. A major project I worked on was managing the repair of Toddbrook Reservoir which hit the national headlines over the summer!
After a period of very heavy rainfall, the spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir became damaged and was at risk of collapse. A multi-agency around-the-clock effort saw over a billion litres of water pumped from the reservoir. An RAF Chinook helicopter dropped over 500 one-tonne bags of aggregate to reinforce the structure with grout poured to bind the bags and further strengthen the dam.
I lead a team of experts alongside contractor Kier to maintain and manage water levels and deliver the repair works to the dam and keep the reservoir secure.
It was pretty hectic, managing a project of this style and profile and working alongside the emergency services, Army, RAF and our own contractor. However, it was incredibly exciting and a career-defining experience for me!
I'm hoping my story will inspire students to consider a career in Engineering or Project Management. I got interested in it through a tutor at the College who sparked my interest due to the passion she had for the subject. I had never even thought about heading down the project management career path until then, so special thanks to Vicky Patterson.
